This planning initiative addresses the need for action
in the local watershed comprised of the tributaries to Harris Lake, and
Gulf, Parkers, and Kenneth Creeks, in Wake, Harnett, and Chatham Counties,
NC. The local watershed includes Kenneth Creek (46.3 square miles, 7.3
miles of impaired stream), Parker Creek (53.8 square miles), and the tributaries
to Harris Lake (80 square miles).
The Kenneth Creek watershed drains a portion of southern Wake County,
including the Fuquay-Varina area, and discharges into Neills Creek in
northern Harnett County. Over 7 miles of Kenneth Creek, from its source
to Neills Creek, is rated not supporting because of an impaired biological
community. Urban runoff and storm water discharges (nonpoint source pollution)
are noted as possible sources of impairment, and indications of nutrient
enrichment exist. Kenneth Creek is 303(d)-listed for the year 2000 report
to the Environmental Protection Agency. Fuquay-Varina’s wastewater
treatment plant also discharges to this creek. From the Wake-Harnett county
line to Neills Creek, the creek is classified as Water Supply-IV.